According to the HRC, at least 44 transgender or gender non-conforming people were killed in the U.S in 2020 alone. The majority of these victims were Black&Latina trans women. This number is likely an underestimate as not all cases of anti-transgender violence are reported.

Globally, the situation is even more dire. The Trans Murder Monitoring project reported that at least 350 trans and gender-diverse people were murdered worldwide in 2020. Again, trans women of color were disproportionately represented in these deaths.

These statistics are horrifying and demonstrate the urgent need for trans people, especially trans women, to protect themselves from violence. While I understand that arming oneself with weapons may not be an option or a desirable choice for everyone

it is important for trans people to have access to resources and tools that can help them defend themselves. Self-defense training, non-lethal weapons like pepper spray, and forming community networks can all be effective ways of protecting oneself.

In addition, advocating for policy changes and increased protections for trans people is crucial to address the systemic issues that contribute to violence against trans individuals. No one should have to live in fear for simply being who they are.

It is imperative that society takes meaningful action to address the violence and discrimination that trans people face, and until that happens, it is understandable that some may feel the need to arm themselves for self-protection